"Thinking that ordinary life is the only kind one will have, or can expect to have, a variety of limitations, whether self-created, unconsciously produced, inherited, or learned because of relationships with others who have limitations, are accepted as being normal.  'Normal' human behavior is often unpredictable, inconsistent, and influenced by subconscious tendencies instead of being rational and of enduring spiritual value."  Roy Eugene Davis

The basic formula for experiencing higher quality living has been pointed out by many traditions as being aware that the discomfort or 'suffering' of our day-to-day lives is basically of our own doing, and then changing our lives accordingly.  The key to avoiding or not having such experiences, and improving the quality of life, lies in skillful living.  In a nutshell, what is often referred to as a "Spiritual Path" is simply intentional, contemplative living.  It's not so much a metaphysical thing as it is a matter of choices and right-action.  For most of us there are no once-in-a-lifetime, fireworks-style, immediate awakening experiences.  Rather, what we seek is found in the every day inordinary.  Intentional living is inordinary, because those of us who live this way are in the overall minority.  As noted in the quote above, just look around.  Our neighbors, loved ones, teachers, co-workers are all so caught up in the Matrix, that not only do they not notice, but in many cases they would rather die than live another way.

But this is not about the 'ordinary', it is about the inordinary.  Higher-level, no-limit living is at our fingertips.  Awakening isn't a product of will, but preparing the field, opening ourselves to it is.  I am very reluctant to use the term "Spiritual Path" these day, because it implies going somewhere, traveling, searching.  And that's not the way I see it.  What we once searched for is and has been right here all along.  Rather than search, I prefer to look about and open my mind and eyes.  On the other hand, living an inordinary life, one that is as impeccable as possible, compassionate, healthy, rational, contemplative, peaceful, and healing can be seen as a following a path.  So yes, in that case I have and do take the path less travelled.  And it indeed it has and does make all the difference.

This speaks my mind:

"I'm not concerned with giving the right answers, because truth is not a solution. I'm not interested in pointing to an unbounded freedom that saves you from the rough and tumble of the human experience. I see that spirituality is a myth created by the mind that seeks salvation. I see that freedom is an illusion because this life is inescapable. I see that acceptance is the only answer.
I no longer care whether the world is an illusion or whether it is real. Whether God exists or does not. Whether I reincarnate or come to a full stop when this body dies. I no longer care about being spiritual or being enlightened. I care only that I live as the open hand in the midst of that which offends me. That I surrender my self-righteousness when it rears its tight fist. That I meet you in tenderness without needing to take care of you or please you.
I am no longer scared by dark feelings, because nothing is dark when it is fully allowed. Sadness, regret, doubt and despair ... all these are children of the One Life, and all are welcome here. Each one of them comes home to my heart and kisses me gently before it is gone. Nothing is denied and nothing stays."
Amoda Maa, 2018

Source

I am going to offer a Summer Series for Taiji training.  Much like the Winter Qigong Series, except we will be focusing on the fundamentals of Taiji-Gongfu.  This series will happen as either pop-up gatherings or specific workshops.  The training will be free for outdoor events, donations accepted when we are training in some indoor facility.  The first training will be Saturday, June 9, 10:00--12:00 at Festival Park in High Point, NC.  Future dates and locations will be announced shortly.

The focus of this training is Taiji-Gongfu fundamentals, also known as eating bitter.  I am not doing commercial workshops because this is not commercial-type training.  This series will work on digging deep into the fundamentals of Taiji practice, regardless of style or school.  To really develop body awareness and proper energy utilization, fundamentals practice is crucial.  However, most commercial classes and workshops don't focus on these because they aren't a part of Pop-Tai Chi Culture.  That being said, this training is appropriate for all practitioners at all skill levels.

We will  be looking at such topics as Silk Reeling; Zhan Zhuang Standing Pole; Wudang Shan Cornerstone Gongfu; Taiji Chin Na; Dao Yin training; and Push Hands.  As noted above, this training is not style-specific.  In fact, it is appropriate for all martial artists as the goal of the training is universal.  My intention is to offer at least one opportunity per month between June and September, maybe more.  I will be sending out invites @ email and Facebook Events.  This will be good.